Part 30

Not if salvation means going to Troy.

NEOPTOLEMOS

What will we do, then, since I cannot convince you? It is better, it seems, that I stop talking, and you go on living without hope of a cure.

PHILOKTETES

Let me suffer the things I must. But what you promised, touching my hand, you must do. Take me home without delay. Forget Troy. I am tired of lamenting here.

NEOPTOLEMOS

All right. Let us sail.

PHILOKTETES

You speak nobly.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Plant your feet firmly, and arise.

PHILOKTETES

I will do so, as firmly as I am able.

NEOPTOLEMOS

How will I avoid the scorn of the Greeks?

PHILOKTETES

Pay it no mind.

NEOPTOLEMOS

And what if they come in war against my country?

PHILOKTETES

I will be with you.

NEOPTOLEMOS

What kind of help could you give me?

PHILOKTETES

The help of Herakles's bow.

NEOPTOLEMOS

What do you mean?

PHILOKTETES